You can obtain a free national park pass through several specific programs and eligibility criteria designed to provide access to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Eligibility for Free National Park Passes
Free national park passes are available to specific groups including military personnel and veterans, fourth-grade students, individuals with permanent disabilities, and those who dedicate their time to volunteer at federal recreation sites.
Here's a quick overview of how to get a free national park pass:
| Pass Type | Eligibility | How to Obtain (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Military Pass | Active military members, veterans, and Gold Star Families | Show valid military ID or documentation |
| Fourth Grade Pass | U.S. 4th graders and their accompanying family | Obtain a voucher online and exchange at a park |
| Access Pass | U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities | Provide documentation of permanent disability |
| Volunteer Pass | Individuals accumulating 250 hours of volunteer service at federal recreation sites | Log and verify volunteer hours with participating agencies |
Detailed Breakdown of Free Passes
Understanding the specific requirements for each pass can help you determine your eligibility.
Military Annual Pass
This pass is available for those who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Who is eligible:
- Active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents.
- Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Gold Star Families.
- How to get it: Active military and dependents can present their Common Access Card (CAC) or military ID at park entrance stations. Veterans can show a valid form of veteran ID, such as a VA ID card, a driver's license with veteran designation, or a DD214.
Fourth Grade Pass (Every Kid Outdoors)
Designed to encourage youth to explore national parks, this pass is for fourth-grade students.
- Who is eligible: All U.S. fourth-grade students, including those who are homeschooled or attend free-choice learners. The pass covers the fourth-grader and accompanying passengers in a single, private non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas, or the fourth-grader and up to three accompanying adults at per-person fee areas.
- How to get it: Fourth graders can visit the Every Kid Outdoors website to get a printable voucher, which they then bring to a national park or federal recreation site to exchange for an annual pass. This pass is valid from September 1st of the fourth-grade year through August 31st of the following year.
Access Pass
The Access Pass provides free entry for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.
- Who is eligible: Individuals with permanent disabilities that are medically determined to be a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and for which a medical doctor has made a diagnosis.
- How to get it: You can obtain this pass in person at a federal recreation site by showing proof of permanent disability. Acceptable documentation often includes a statement from a licensed physician, a document issued by a federal agency (like the Department of Veterans Affairs or Social Security Administration), or a state agency (like a vocational rehabilitation agency) that attests to permanent disability.
Volunteer Pass
Individuals who donate a significant amount of their time volunteering at federal recreation sites can earn a free pass.
- Who is eligible: Volunteers who accrue at least 250 hours of service at participating federal agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and others.
- How to get it: The pass is awarded by participating federal agencies to volunteers upon reaching the required hours. You should inquire with the volunteer coordinator at the site where you are volunteering about how to track your hours and receive your pass.
